New England Patriots - Fantasy News

Patriots vs. Raiders Start 'Em / Sit 'Em

by Aaron Bowers

11/16/17

NFL

New England Patriots

Mike Gillislee

For the second time in as many seasons, the Oakland Raiders will play a game in Mexico City as they’ll “host” the New England Patriots at an elevation of more than 7,000 feet. The Raiders beat the Texans across the border last season, and they’ll need another win in Estadio Azteca against the Pats to keep up in the AFC Wild Card race.

The Raiders have dropped off significantly from their 12-4 season in 2016. The Oakland offense has devolved into a dink-and-dunk operation, and the defense hasn’t progressed at all to compensate. Yet, at 4-5, Jack Del Rio’s squad still has a decent chance to make the playoffs in a weak AFC.

Meanwhile, it’s been another dominant season for the Patriots. After a first month in which New England hemorrhaged nearly 33 points per game, Bill Belichick has turned things around, and the Patriots have given up just over 13 points per game over their last five contests. With the defense clicking and the offense prolific as usual, New England looks poised for another Super Bowl run.

New England Patriots Week 11 Projected Fantasy Points
Tom Brady: 18.0 PFP
Rob Gronkowski: 14.5 PFP
Brandin Cooks: 12.5 PFP
Chris Hogan: 11.0 PFP
Stephen Gostkowski: 10.5 PFP
James White: 9.5 PFP
Rex Burkhead: 9.0 PFP
Danny Amendola: 8.0 PFP
Dion Lewis: 8.0 PFP
Mike Gillislee: 6.0 PFP
Martellus Bennett: 5.5 PFP

Oakland Raiders Week 11 Projected Fantasy Points
Derek Carr: 16.5 PFP
Michael Crabtree: 11.5 PFP
Amari Cooper: 10.5 PFP
Jared Cook: 9.0 PFP
Marshawn Lynch: 8.5 PFP
Georgio Tavecchio: 7.0 PFP
DeAndre Washington: 6.0 PFP

Jalen Richard: 6.0 PFP

Start 'Em: Tom Brady (18.0 PFP)
Dober Fantasy Points Per Game: 21.23

This 18-point projection is a big target for any player, but there aren’t many who are more likely to match and exceed that number than Brady. The centerpiece of another prolific offense, Tom Terrific is averaging more than 311 yards per game with a 19-to-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio at 40 years old. As if he needed any more help on offense, New England just brought in Martellus Bennett, who caught seven touchdowns for the Patriots last season and is a big upgrade over Dwayne Allen. The Oakland secondary is in shambles. The Raiders have given up 18.0 DFP per game to quarterbacks despite facing signal callers such as Trevor Siemian and Jay Cutler. Brady should light them up in this game.

Sit 'Em: Mike Gillislee (6.0 PFP)
Dober Fantasy Points Per Game: 7.19

Anytime you have the opportunity to fade a player who was a healthy scratch the previous week; you should probably do it. After scoring four touchdowns in two games to start the season, fumbles, a lack of versatility and ineffectiveness have seen Gillislee fall out of favor with the coaching staff. Rex Burkhead and Dion Lewis have shown the ability to run between the tackles and in short-yardage situations, making Gillislee expendable. In addition, he doesn’t have more than 5.2 DFP since Week 2. This is an easy fade for Dober Play Cards.

Start 'Em: Michael Crabtree (11.5 PFP)
Dober Fantasy Points Per Game: 12.39

It’s been a tough season for all of the Oakland offensive weapons. Derek Carr missed time with injury, the run game has been non-existent, Amari Cooper can’t catch a cold, and the much-hyped offensive line has been disappointing. One bright spot has been Crabtree, who has averaged more than 11.5 DFP in his last five games. Cooper still draws the majority of the defensive attention, but Crabtree is a wily veteran receiver who can get open against man or zone coverage. Most likely, Oakland will be in a negative game-script in this game, with Carr forced to throw the ball down the field. Crabtree should find enough of those balls to get over his PFP.

Sit 'Em: Jared Cook (9.0 PFP)
Dober Fantasy Points Per Game: 8.38

In his ninth NFL season, Cook may be enjoying the breakout campaign people have been predicting for him since he came into the league with the Titans. His athleticism has intrigued scouts and coaching staffs for nearly a decade, but his hands and his brain have prevented him from making much of an impact in his career. This season, he is averaging a career high in yards per game and is just 12 receptions away from setting a career high. However, Cook has just three games with more than 9.0 DFP and has scored one touchdown this year. We don’t think the Cook breakout continues, so fade him on Dober Play Cards this week.